Bayshore, Orleans LRT studies approved

There is still a long way to go before LRT extensions to Bayshore and Orleans are a done deal, but a first hurdle was cleared on Wednesday.

City hall's transportation committee approved the studies that are required by the provincial government, which are typical when it comes to certain projects.

Issues to be considered during the reviews, which will take between 15 and 24 months, include noise, property and environmental impacts, and what effects the routes could have on employment or businesses. Public consultation will also take place.

Specifically, the extensions would run from Lincoln Fields to Bayshore Shopping Centre and Blair Road to Place d'Orleans.

There are other caveats attached, beyond the studies, before more light rail becomes a reality, including securing almost $2 billion from the federal and provincial governments.

If stage two of light rail goes ahead, about 700,000 residents, or 67% of Ottawa's population, will live within 5 kilometres of light rail.